Leeds United employee makes ‘huge’ Kalvin Phillips claim before Norwich City clash
Noel Whelan has tipped Kalvin Phillips to have a “huge” impact on his return to the Leeds United squad after a fitness update from Elland Road.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker and club ambassador insisted he has no fears about the 26-year-old getting back up to fitness after so long out action.
Speaking at his press conference on Wednesday (9 March), Jesse Marsch revealed he hoping to have Phillips back after the international break as he steps up his recovery at Thorp Arch.
The midfielder has not played since suffering a hamstring injury in early December.
However, Whelan suggested Phillips would have an immediate impact when he returns to the side.
Leeds are next in action on Sunday when they host Norwich City at Elland Road.
Asked if there were any worries about Phillips getting back up to speed, Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “With Kalvin, he’s one of these players where he comes back into the side and he looks like he’s never been out.
“He’s one of those with a natural fitness. I think he’ll come straight back in, he’ll thrive and then hopefully we will be gradually getting those players so important to the spine back into the game again.
“That might be the difference with us beating the drop and pulling away from the bottom three.
“It’s a different kind of role that he plays where I think he’ll fit straight back in there. We will see a noticeable difference with him in the side. The stats say it’s a much better winning percentage with him than without him.
“That tells you how important of a player he is to Leeds. To get him back as quickly as possible between now and the end of the season is vital. I think he will make a huge difference down the spine of the side.
“He’ll bring back that know-how of how to keep the game flowing. How to step into positions in the right way and anticipate balls. There’s no better, in my opinion, maybe Declan Rice.
“There are very few players in the league that can do the role that they play. I think we’ve seen that over the time he’s been out. Robin Koch’s tried but it didn’t work. The only one I would say is probably close to him is Forshaw.“
In other news, Whelan furious with what he saw Leeds United star do against Aston Villa.